The push is on, to keep Acropolis Manor from being torn down

With a new seniors care facility soon to begin the construction phase, local residents are turning their attention to ways to save the old faithful servant from the wrecking ball, at 26 years of age, many don’t feel that the Manor on Summit has outlived some purpose for the community. To that point, a group called Concerned Citizens for Saving the Manor is looking for ways to convince Northern Health to keep the building intact and look for parking solutions elsewhere.

To say the least, they are less than thrilled with the reasons provided by Northern Health over the demolition plans. They suggest that Northern health is treating the public in a condescending manner and are insulting the locals over their handling of the issue.

The Daily News provided details on their efforts in the Wednesday paper.

DON’T TEAR BUILDING DOWN, SAYS GROUP
Northern Health urged to find another use for vacated Acropolis Manor
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Pages one and five

A group of concerned citizens are voicing their thoughts about the proposed demolition of the 26 year old Acropolis Manor.

The group had their letter of concern read to the Northern Health Board at last week’s meeting in Prince Rupert by retired nurse Peggy Davenport. The letter outlines several reasons why they feel the Acropolis Manor building should not be demolished.

“The proposed demolition Acropolis Manor is the most ludicrous decision taken by Northern Health that we have ever come across,” it begins.

“This building is a mere 26 years old. If all public buildings that are of timber frame construction are torn down at (that age), our province would be in a financial mess.”

Northern Health has stated the building is no up to current earthquake code, would be too expensive to renovate, and says the area is needed to provide better access and parking around the hospital. But the Concerned Citizens for Saving the Manor feel that public documents outlining cost estimates to renovate the building should be circulated and made known to local people.

“Making a statement that it is too costly to renovate or earthquake-proof without releasing accredited cost estimates is condescending, intellectual dishonesty and insults the public,” the group states.

The group continues: “Does Northern health have two or three engineering estimates of the costs? If so, release these reports and the dollar value of what it would cost to make it earthquake proof or renovate.”

The group was also concerned with the logic behind tearing down a building with an outstanding mortgage of over $1 million.

“You do know that we have to provide the ability for people to work and park their vehicles and visit patients not only at the manor but in the hospital,” said Northern Health Chairman Jeff Burghardt in response to Davenport’s reading of the group’s concerns. “And we’ve taken care of the mortgage issues, there is no outstanding mortgage on the Acropolis.

So that is something we were well aware of, and something we thought we should be responsible for.”

Whether the group’s concerns have been satisfied by Burghardt’s response, or whether the fight for the Acropolis Manor has just begun remains to be determined.

Neither Burghardt nor Davenport were available for further comment at time of press.